Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic coffee cake, transforming it into a chewy, cookie form that’s perfect for snacking or sharing. The combination of warm pumpkin spices and sweet brown sugar streusel makes them a favorite in my home, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering with family and friends.

What truly makes these cookies special is their versatility. You can whip them up for an afternoon treat, serve them at holiday gatherings, or even enjoy them alongside your morning coffee. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become such a cherished recipe in my collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have these delicious cookies ready in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies—especially when they’re packed with cozy pumpkin flavor!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy fall day, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch and store them for later; they stay chewy and scrumptious for days.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need to make these fantastic Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies:

For the Cookie Base

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s canned pumpkin works best)
• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature

For the Icing

• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-4 tsp whole milk

Variations

One of the great things about these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
• Frosting Swap: Instead of vanilla icing, try cream cheese frosting for a tangy finish.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the batter for an added kick.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Mix in Pumpkin and Egg Yolks

Next, add in the canned pumpkin puree and egg yolks. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that every bite has that wonderful pumpkin flavor that makes these cookies so special.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the dough so your cookies bake uniformly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to dense cookies. You want to combine just until there are no more dry streaks!

Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine some softened butter with brown sugar and flour. Work it with your fingers until crumbly. This crunchy topping provides texture that complements the soft cookie base beautifully.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets. Don’t forget to sprinkle on that delicious streusel topping before they go into the oven! Bake until golden brown—around 11 minutes should do it.

Step 7: Drizzle with Icing

Once baked and cooled slightly, drizzle your icing made from powdered sugar and milk over each cookie. This adds just the right amount of sweetness to finish off your delightful treats!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Creating perfect pumpkin coffee cake cookies is easier than you think! With a few simple tips, you’ll be on your way to baking these delightful treats like a pro.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature for better incorporation. This ensures a smoother dough and helps the cookies rise evenly.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined will give you the chewy texture that makes these cookies so delicious. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Chill the dough if possible: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Invest in quality spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies. Try to use high-quality spices for the best results; they make all the difference!

• Drizzle with icing while warm: For a beautiful presentation and extra sweetness, drizzle the vanilla icing over your warm cookies. It will melt slightly and create a lovely glaze that hardens as they cool.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These pumpkin coffee cake cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ideas on how to present and serve these tasty treats!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped nuts on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar right before serving adds a sweet touch that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs perfectly with these cookies, enhancing their cozy fall flavors. Consider a spiced chai or a rich dark roast!
• Pumpkin spice latte: For an extra festive touch, serve your cookies alongside a homemade pumpkin spice latte—it’s like pairing dessert with dessert!
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness to your dish. The sweetness of seasonal fruits like apples and pears balances out the richness of the cookies.
• Vanilla ice cream: For those who love indulgence, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s an irresistible combination!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to impress your family and friends with these scrumptious pumpkin coffee cake cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy their delightful flavors all week long.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious cookies!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, make sure it is well-pureed and has enough moisture. Adjust the quantity to ensure the texture remains chewy.

How do I make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What makes these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies so special?

The combination of chewy cookie texture topped with crunchy streusel and drizzled with vanilla icing creates a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies! They’re not just a treat; they’re a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Enjoy every chewy bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors. Happy baking!